If there's one tip I have for a first time backpacker, it is this: pack light.It sounds obvious, but almost no one does it. Trust me, when you're out there - wherever it may be - there is something immensely satisfying about rocking up to the overnight bus with a bag that can fit under your seat.

Now that Summer is upon us though so are a multitude of trips to the sun (it always strikes me as crazy that the minute the sun shines on London we're all desperado to leave) and a well packed bag is essential.

In the course of my job as travel journalist, I'm always on airplanes but try to reduce the stress level by only taking one carry-on bag - no anxiety at baggage claim and you're always first out of the airport. The trouble is that colder climates mean extra clothing but fortunately new technologies are coming to the rescue.

If I learnt one lesson from travelling the world, it was just how unpredictable the weather can be. It didn't matter where we were either - the rain and thunder seemed to follow us around wherever we went.

Unless you have an incredible memory capacity, chances are you will need a documented and carefully thought out checklist before you travel on any holiday. If you're tacking a backpacking break across Europe however, that list becomes infinitely more important.